ANCHORAGE, AK – Matt Keetley turned aside 49 consecutive shots as the Bakersfield Condors (14-32-4-1, 33pts) took game one of a three-game set against the Alaska Aces (33-14-2-4, 72pts) by a score of 4-1 at Sullivan Arena on Friday night. LW Evan Trupp and C Parker Stanfield continued their strong play, each potting a tally to lead the Condors to victory.

The proceedings did not start the way the Condors wanted as Alaska hopped out to a 1-0 lead just 36 seconds into the first period when F Chris Langkow scored his first goal of the season in his return to the Aces lineup. Bakersfield had multiple chances to tie the game later in the period, including a two-on-none breakaway involving C Robby Dee and RW Tyler Helfrich, but could not convert. Keetley would go on to stop the next 16 Aces shots as the teams skated to the intermission with the Aces ahead 1-0. The Condors were outshot, 17-8.

Bakersfield tallied three times in the middle period to take a 3-1 lead after two periods. Trupp centered a feed that took a deflection in front and past Aces G Adam Courchaine to knot the game at 1-1, 4:15 into the period. His linemate, Stanfield, scored on a great individual effort at the 14:26 mark, putting the puck through defenders and through the five-hole of Courchaine to put the Condors ahead to stay, 2-1. LW Kyle Calder extended the lead to 3-1 before the break, tipping a D Justin Pender drive into the cage 32 seconds later. Keetley denied all 14 of the Aces’ chances.

With Alaska bearing down offensively, Keetley stood tall in between the pipes and kept the Condors ahead by two long enough for Bakersfield to put the game on ice late in the third period. RW Tyler Helfrich capped off an odd-man rush and a feed from Calder at 14:15 with his 11th goal of the season to seal the deal for the Condors, 4-1.

Condors Droppings: The same two teams meet tomorrow at 8:15 p.m. in Anchorage…LW Evan Trupp played his first game as a professional in his hometown of Anchorage and scored. He has scored three times in his last two games…G Matt Keetley made 49 straight saves to earn his fourth victory in a row…F Parker Stanfield has eight points (4g-4a) in his current five-game scoring streak…The Condors are now 2-2-0 in Alaska this season…The Condors have now won three straight games against teams leading their respective divisions. (Las Vegas (2), Alaska)…Shots on goal: BAK- 24, AK- 50… PP: BAK 0/2, AK 0/3… Three Stars: 1. Keetley (BAK), 2. Calder (BAK), 3. Mazzolini (AK)

Tip-A-Condor is Tuesday

The Condors will host one of their most anticipated events of the season, with the annual Tip-A-Condor event at Hooters on Tues. Feb. 21 from 5-8 p.m. The event features Condors players serving as waiters working for tips to raise money for the Kern County Shrine Club. There will also be live and silent auctions held throughout the night. Tickets to the event are $25 and include dinner. They may be purchased by calling 324-PUCK (7825), swinging by the Condors front office, or at Hooters. The night has raised over $130,000 in its history.

Bobblefists, Bugs Bunny & free palm trees coming up!

After two more games in Alaska, the Condors return to home ice for a pair of games against the Stockton Thunder, on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25.

Friday the first 2,000 fans 5 and older will get a Bobblehead of Condors enforcer Hans Benson – and his fists bobble as well! Sponsored by KBAK Eyewitness News and Three-Way Automotive Group. On Saturday the first 2,000 fans 5 and older will get a palm tree seedling to take home, stick in the ground and turn your abode tropical! In addition, Bugs Bunny will be in the house to meet the kids and hang out in the Condors Photo Booth, sponsored by Bright House Networks, KERN 1180 and Cal Water.

Get Tickets

Individual tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and the Rabobank Arena box office by calling 1-800-745-3000. Box office hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday with extended hours on gamedays. For more information on ticket packages, exciting promotions, and to sign up for the Kids Club for just $10, log on towww.bakersfieldcondors.com.

Follow the Condors all season long, for team news, player moves, promotions, and more on Twitter (@Condors) and Facebook (facebook.com/BakersfieldCondors). Be the first to know